Establishes standards for determining an unconscionable rent increase; excludes from public access landlord tenant records in certain circumstances.
This bill establishes clear standards for courts to determine if a rent increase is "unconscionable" (extremely unfair), considering factors like the rent amount, landlord expenses (e.g., maintenance, insurance), local market rates, tenant bargaining power, and property condition. Landlords must prove their increase isn't unconscionable, shifting the burden of proof from tenants. It also requires courts to keep eviction case records private if tenants win, unless landlords secure a possession judgment. The law excludes rent-controlled areas and regulated affordable housing programs from these standards. The main provisions take effect immediately, while the record privacy rule starts six months after enactment.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
upper
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Angela McKnight
DDemocratic
P
John Burzichelli
DDemocratic
Co
Paul Moriarty
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about S 726
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand S 726. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline